School Bus Transmission in a Boat - Part 4 - Open Road Test

Boating on the river is great Fun. Doing it in a boat you built from scratch is Epic. Learning and overcoming challenges is Growth. Doing it with friends you made along the way is Living to the Fullest, and there is nothing better. --Doug
[ Sea Chest Foundation Store ]
www.seachestfo...
[ 42Fab Store has SV Seeker Memorabilia made from scrap from Seeker]
www.42fab.com/...
[ Amazon Smile support for The Sea Chest Foundation ]
smile.amazon.c...
[ Support Seeker ]
Patrons and Other Support: wp.me/P6ivyU-1wT
Buy Anything on Amazon and support Seeker when you use this link: amzn.to/2PeHRfq
Seeker Junk Store on Amazon www.amazon.com/...
[ More ]
Volunteer goo.gl/Lo1p6y
About Us: www.svseeker.co...
FaceBook Page: / sailingvesselseeker
FaceBook Group / svseeker
Blog: www.svseeker.co...
Thanks to "Muskogee Drone Videos" for the aerial shot.
[ Music ]
"Trickin Pickin" preformed by Doug Waterman

[@lucascannell4418]

Could you get a electric power steering pump with a check valve on both pumps so you have access to a back up with minimal delays just 1 simple switch and it would allow you to feather the blade for sailing with out the engine

[@SVSeeker]

Did some looking, and I think this is a great idea. Thanks!

[@yermoffroad]

@@SVSeeker Volvo is the popular choice

[@kschleic9053]

@@yermoffroad seconded. Volvo pumps are common, and there is a lot of DIY documentation on them.

[@BuggsK100RS]

Also Is there any chance of having a manual over ride for that system? A lever on the side that can control your prop might be a pain to fab up but could make the difference in an emergency.

[@SVSeeker]

@@BuggsK100RS No, not on that particular model. They do make one that’s manually controlled.

[@TravelsOfBillandLaura]

When towing the big boat with the dinghy, go backwards on the dinghy with the tow-line tied to the dinghy motor mounts. Then it's easier to steer. I learned that when towing boats around our marina with the dink. Really enjoy the videos. Thanks!

[@trapperjohn2462]

When towing a boat the tow load should be in front of the steering point. i.e. look at tugboats .

[@TravelsOfBillandLaura]

@@trapperjohn2462 Try it as I mentioned and you will understand.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

@@TravelsOfBillandLaura Works well for short distances, but most outboard propellers are optimized for forward. So You loose a lot of performance in reverse - don't know for the specific one though. What we did was using two tow lines, one from either side of the towed boat independently fixed on either side of the engine. works well for a mostly straight tow, not so much to maneuver tightly of course - You better push directly in cramped spaces like they already did try.

[@nielsdebakker3283]

@@manfredschmalbach9023 That dinghy is too light to function as a towboat properly. The outboard also has a high pitch prop, it is designed for speed, not to pull a very heavy object. What you see happening when pulling is the propwalk effect. And you are right, pushing is much more effective because the dinghy can not wander off to the side if done correctly.

[@aculasabacca]

@@nielsdebakker3283 If you look again you will see the prop is pointed exactly the direction the skif is moving. If the driver would just look at his propwash he wouls see he needs to point the prop opposite where he wants to go.

[@jondavidmcnabb]

As a former IT guy, I am sure you realize the perils of integration!!! Separate systems are both mechanically easier to repair, but also quicker to diagnose. Don't be afraid to "un-integrate" vehicle systems because they are no longer in a land bound environment. You are now operating in an SHTF capacity all the time because Seeker is a big water boat. One equals none and two equals one... Excellent work and learning Doug!!! You amaze me every time i watch.

[@deusexmachinareznov4975]

And in my opinion four equals 2

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Doug, launching into shallow water and getting stuck in the mud is my shtick, find your own thing! 😝

[@SVSeeker]

I kedged out a stern anchor too, but when the time comes that one is going to get pulled out with my pickup. : )

[@palettetools6461]

Seeker could explore rivers alone and have unending adventures.

[@josephinring]

Hi Doug. The problem you are having with the Whaley towing is because of the position of the towing bridle on the transom. In order for a boat to steer while towing the tow needs to be rigged from a point ahead of the steering force, in your case that is the engine on the transom or on a bigger boat it would be the rudder stock. The way you have it now the tow is essentially rigged aft of the engine (because you are using a double bridle so it is pivoting from the point where the ropes meet aft of the engine) and therefore its almost impossible for you to steer the boat. Also when you rig your alongside tow it would be much more effective if you could get the transom of the Whaley aft of the transom of seeker to allow the prop wash of the outboard to clear seeker’s stern. Otherwise as you had it in this video, when you turn to starboard the prop wash hits the side of seeker and effectively cancels out the steering force. Sorry I cant explain it a bit better. Hope this helps. Seeker looks excellent at speed in the river, her wake is very clean, looks like quite an efficient hull, well done.

[@realsonnysullivan]

100% correct and well explained!

[@jonboyfsu420]

Well put, most people don’t understand the forces at work.

[@hamishgibbs581]

Great explanation but easily solved with a pulley on the tow rope so it runs side to side on the bridle, a better option for smaller boats in my opinion as the weight is spread away from the twisting forces the transom is already exposed to.

[@romanlightman4937]

@@hamishgibbs581 I tryed this, It doesnt work, I had less control than when it was tied in the center. I was towing an 11 ton sailboat in a no wind or current condition. Getting the center of pull in front of the tow boats engine was the only thing that worked well.

[@hamishgibbs581]

@@romanlightman4937 OK very interesting the only reason I can think of it not working is somehow the bridle stopping the steerage by being the wrong length or the pulley not running freely?? But if you have a solution why change it.

[@jameswest685]

The learning curve, not short, good luck.

[@devinholland2189]

The Y bridle on the Tamale is stopping it from turning so the tiller is sort of reversed when towing that way.

[@TheOriginalDude001]

Exactly, when the tiller is pushed over to port, the prop moves to the starboard side of the rope, and since the rope is always lined up with the keel, it pushes the boat to port. So reversed from the normal "port to go starboard" when not towing Seeker.

[@KillerSpud]

Agreed. When that bridle is fully taut the boat can not rotate with respect to the rope. You have to think about it as if it were a long solid beam, and luke Dude said, you have to rethink how the propeller is actually trying to move that ridged structure.

[@harveynailbanger]

The bridle needs to be in front of the engine Ive towed all sorts of work floats, boats , whatever with small boats on construction sites. I would build a three point rig , one leg to each gunwale and tie it to the bow to get the tow point over my head and ahead of the motor.

[@KamikazeWombat]

This make sense, at that point it's pushing the boat over instead of turning it like you would expect. Try again Doug and I bet you can tow just fine with the rope.

[@pathfinder3175]

When towing with the Wally boat, try driving it like a bumper boat. Point the engine where you want to go. Because in the video the engine was pointing to port and thus pulling to port. Like is it that difficult to hold the engine straight?

[@kabadisha]

@SV Seeker When the tender is trying to tow, as soon as the line goes taught, the steering via the tiller is reversed. That's why it seems to behave wierdly and go left even when you are steering right. It's effectively like having the outboard on its own, on the end of the rope. When the rope goes taught, your no longer steering the tender from behind, pushing it through the water. Instead you are controlling a vectored thrust on the end of a piece of string.

[@jamesmarshall2015]

That's correct, I've towed successfully with that same bridle setup with a tiller 40 or 60 hp for many hours. Early days of Atlantic salmon farms here in Tasmania was great for learning some tricks like that. Like you said, point the tiller handle where you'd like to go and the dinghy will slide there. Feels a bit weird but it works fine. The dynamic changes once a certain amount of headway is gained but keep it slow and you're laughing.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Hell Doug, you just need to strap another Whaley boat to the starboard side of Seeker and use the diesel as a back up. That little Whaley did a good job moving Seeker. On a serious note, it is a great idea to get all the bugs out on calm waters. Won't be too long and you'll have everything dialed in and ready to hit the grand Caribbean. Best wishes for a smooth sail from Antigua.

[@andypandy955]

I know you going to hate this comment but Doug you have changed in a nice way. I had many of the same problems when I built my boat. But you learn so much when it goes wrong. I love the focus when you were driving the boat great video. Nice people and that is the answer surround yourself with nice people and the sun will shine .

[@joealbert7773]

The pump failure you have is common on heavy trucks. Its really the pump bushing that is worn putting too much pressure on the seal. Then it dumps its fluid in the engine. Also, the squeal your mentioned when you turn your car steering all the way to the stop is the pressure relief valve in the pump by-passing.

[@olof.aolsson8441]

Tip. When towing bigger boats with a dingy, put it at the back, and radio comunication stear mainly with the ships rudder, and dingy follow.

[@johnflanigan7418]

Hey Doug, I have a 50' steel boat with a hundestadt Variable pitch system. Looks like you are overusing the pitch control. Be very careful with increasing RPM if the propeller blades are horizontal/ feathered- it causes a lot of vibration and overloads the pitch adjuster. Likewise, keep RPM low if shifting fwd to reverse with propeller pitch to avoid cavitation.

[@SVSeeker]

Thanks but pushing it was what this test was all about. : )

[@curbstomp3126]

Doug on most semis the power steering pump uses the same motor oil the engine uses. That way if the front seal goes out it doesn't contaminat the motor oil.

[@SVSeeker]

I like that idea. I'll ask Cummins about it.

[@curbstomp3126]

@@SVSeeker I swear you have harnessed the power of the internet. This channel is a brain trust lol. I just want to see you succeed. I'm a diesel mechanic from way back btw.

[@stefandr5252]

Recently I had to design a backup hydraulic system for steering on a dredger that was converted to sail backwaters. I now know why it is required. I could supply the hydraulic scheme as it is approved by authorities.

[@piperjohn_3]

Fascinating watching you guys work out all these teething problems as you go. A little pitch in the propeller sounds like a wise tradeoff. Hope Antigua is a little more fun this time!

[@SVSeeker]

It was fun last time.

[@SnowRocker88]

The whine at full stop on a power steering pump is the pressure relief valve.

[@SVSeeker]

I think so too.

[@chrisschaefer3863]

trick for your anchor farm. leave the anchor in the water, just below the surface. drive the boat. After 3-4 minutes, pull anchor the rest of the way.

[@jackkeller737]

Put in some quick disconnects and use a port a power pump for emergencies. Just a thought.

[@jesseroel5045]

Last year i had to pull my boat on her first voyage with my dinghy. It was due to nasty fuel. This is a very déjà vu moment. Saw this channel last week, amazing videos!

[@kaydog2008]

Sure would be a spectacle to behold. To see Seeker parked at the St. Louis River Front! For a day or two. 😲👍

[@SVSeeker]

Sorry. Upstream means a lot of diesel. :)

[@tweedspeculum6820]

should be an example for everyone. if you put your mind to something, dont let ANYTHING get in your way. YOU CAN DO IT! i hope you keep the videos coming because your not finished yet. you are a motivator for us all. I am so happy that your build is complete, now begins the never ending task of being the captain of the sea. thanks my friend for allowing us to accompany you on this journey. i salute you and so it begins! " Ocean, then next frontier, these are the voyages of the SV Seeker. on its infinite mission to explore exotic new places and to seek out new friends and new civilizations, to BOLDLY go where no Seeker has gone!"

[@jessehaas5182]

Props to that tugboat captain trying to teach them how to drive! He was spot on with single screw technique. As a master of towing vessels n/c I’d recommend a longer towline and longer y bridle for your skiff and more operator experience. Towing takes years of practice not minutes

[@billyhaddock5540]

Sad to hear that ur pump went bad, butt u got back to the dock to fix-it. lv ur videos.

[@iandavison677]

Hi Doug, when pushing your yacht by tender. Have the tender as far aft as possible and you will get steering using the outboard. Check out tugs pushing a barge they will be secured alongside well aft. Cheers Capt Ian

[@SVSeeker]

Actually easier just to steer with Seeker’s helm.

[@iandavison677]

@@SVSeeker Use both for greater control. Try and have the stern of the tender extending past the transom of the Seeker. Seekers helm will only work with water passing over the rudder. Way on. The tender aft will give you some control with no way on. Hope this makes sense. Again check out the position of tugs when doing a side tow. Cheers Capt Ian

[@erick4923]

God bless and keep on building!!!

[@SnowRocker88]

If you replace your rope bridle with a hard bar with an attachment point in the middle, the Tamale would tow just as well forward as it does in reverse.

[@SnowRocker88]

Or if you don't hard tie to the bridle, you attach with something that can slide along the bridle chord.

[@SVSeeker]

I'll try both of those. Thanks

[@dougmaclean9752]

the power steering pump should have a reservoir near the pump and slightly above , the return line from the hunstead gos to reservoir then the pump does not have to pull much suction - that's the way they are in trucks

[@SVSeeker]

It actually can't because it would just drain into the pitch controller sump.

[@willdean142]

@@SVSeeker Nonetheless you may find you need to deal with this somehow or other, because most hydraulic pumps hate having any kind of restriction (filters, check valves, negative head, whatever) on their suction side. Is the casework of the CPP unit supposed to be the reservoir for its hydraulic system?

[@romanlightman4937]

I built some mounts on my 12 foot Sea Eagle an inflatable dingy that allowed me to hook up a center post just like Tow Boat US. It involves strapping padded and shaped wooden saddles on both sides. My saddles were 7 feet long to spread out the heavy forces on the center post. The 4 corners of the saddles were attached with an X shape 2x6 pine boards. At the point where the boards cross is where the center post goes to pin the center of the x. The 2x6s should be routed out and fitted tightly to minimize twisting. The dingy had a homemade hard floor that helped stiffen the sides . Best scenario is to put an extension on the throttle and put your dingy captain in front of the saddles. Works without the extention but nose of dingy will rise, especially if there is a wind. My sailboat was a one off, 39 foot Dickerson, 11 ton. Dingy Motor 15 HP Honda. Max towing attempted wind, 7 knots. Max current, approx 4 knots. Pulling without a centerpost doesnt work, I know because I tried. You never have control without a center post in front of the motor of the towing boat. I first figured this out by towing said boat with no wind, slack tide and tying the tow rope around my chest. I immediately gained control of an 11 ton sail boat, with the rope around my chest. It wasnt comfortable but it worked and I quickly got my boat to her new anchorage.

[@romanlightman4937]

Any time operating in a new country, get towing insurance if it is available. People make mistakes, even a seasoned captain can run aground. I seen plenty of fancy yachts on the beach.(Costa Concordia) I kept a 3 inch dewatering pump on all my sailboats. If you crease your steel hull,(titanic) a couple of good sized dewatering pumps could keep you afloat long enough to get her to safety. I know its a bitch to store gas cans on the deck and its not very pretty. But it is practical. It could save the Seeker if she has a bad day. I never needed my dewatering pump, but I did happen onto another boat that did. Good luck sir, Fair Winds.

[@kermets]

8:36 If you haven't found out already. the little red boat wont tow you straight because of its bridle, Only use one rope and fix it as close to the outboard as possible and he will have total steering.... Or use a pulley where the bridle joins, cheers Brett

[@fungoulagutza]

Awesome I am living vicariously through you people. Beautiful dream realized.🐲

[@SVSeeker]

It's much better to live it in reality. : )

[@lukaskoch929]

I tow a lot of boats as sailing instructor, use a single line (ideally dynema ) as the bridle so that the tow line can slide from side to side on the bridle. This will allow the boat to turn, helping with the steering issue. Side towing is a great solution though, tends to be more maneuverable in small spaces, just not great in waves.

[@hamishgibbs581]

You need to tow with a pulley free runner on the bridle so it can run side to side and still pull central(perfect for the dinghy as it also spreads the load equally)or a centre mounted post just in front of the driving force for a bigger boat, this is true for all towing no matter the tow boat or towed boat size. Have personally recovered one out of two boats that were capsized due to the vessel that was aiding another smaller boat taking it into tow in the wrong way thus losing all steering unfortunately leading to a fatal on the aiding vessel. Also floating line and a float on the pulley will save you headaches and lesson the chances of it sinking into the prop of the skiff.

[@rfiorini]

I tear up seeing Seeker heading down the river. Super excited for you Doug. LOVE seeing your face as you are doing sea trials. Congrats man!

[@joelzelko1537]

Doug PS pumps are on demand but always moving fluid. Make sure that your not dead heading the pump. Cummins are known to have ps oil pumped into crankcase.

[@SVSeeker]

Right, the pitch controller is perfect for it as it’s open center.

[@johnnelson8956]

Boy, a bow and stern thruster would be a handy addition to SV Seeker.

[@SVSeeker]

Yes, if I was intending to be a marina boat.

[@davidparker8531]

I had a Ford truck from Canada the power steering pump used mineral spirits; a different type of seal material.

[@theslowestsailor]

Great stuff Doug! Congratulations on getting your Keel wet . You obviously know it's about enjoying the journey not just the destination! So far its been 35 years living onboard & traveling for me and still surfing all across the South Pacific at 60! You definitely have the right attitude get those sails up and come by for a beer!

[@cincycunningham]

For pulling with the little boat, since you can't pull from a center post, can you rig you pulling sling with a pulley or ring that would allow it to pivot and change the geometry of the pulling angle. Most boats that pull do so from a single post that allows them steering ability

[@jerrystruke9938]

Smokey Yunick built an engine with a glass window so he could see how the oil worked. He then turned the oil pressure down so the engine could make more horsepower as he saw that from the factory it was over lubricated.

[@shannonparker7404]

The complexity and 'Heath Robinson' approach on this boat is quite something to observe.

[@SVSeeker]

It only seems complex to those who don't take the time to study and build for themselves. Once you start building things and taking things apart to see how they were build it all starts looking simple.

[@shannonparker7404]

@@SVSeeker Oh I applaud your efforts sir and wish you all the very best. It will all be well. I suspect this may spawn SV Seeker 2, with many design changes derived from bitter experience.

[@SVSeeker]

@@shannonparker7404 Sorry but I’m having a wonderful time and plan to continue. I hope you find something that will enrich you.

[@dcarmeloi]

rig your rudder with a tiller post for a manual override perhaps.

[@pgnandt]

I agree. As well as having a small gimbal compass if the emergency tiller is below deck. Had to do this a ways back on a large sailboat. It was part of our sea trials. As well as using sea anchors for steering.

[@alphonsebreaux4735]

Y'all still might think about having positioning thrusters. Old jet skis. Can be used for this

[@SVSeeker]

Ok I though about it. Nope. I Locke the Whaly boat solution.

[@chrislutz7557]

You might want to add a wash down hose on the bow for your anchors - this is very common on many of the boats I've been on and seen. Fresh water seems to be preferable, but it's your boat.

[@SVSeeker]

It's there but I don't want the river mud in my lines. : )

[@chrislutz7557]

@@SVSeeker You make an excellent point.

[@DIYNauticalDream]

I am so impressed with everything you have overcome to get to this stage. Dreams are not easy but well worth it when you finally make them happen. Your videos are great, its like going to class and learning something new each time. Thank you for sharing this amazing journey.

[@lawrenceborton4740]

Just him advice they make a serpentine belt for the 59 Cummins I can’t remember what it’s called but it’s green belt and it will never squeak in the last 10 times longer you can get them Napa and I think it’s about it

[@lamrock0]

So I already see alot of advice about towing with a dingy (some good some bad), but I do this alot so I would like to add a few tid bits also add that if you can make a point to tow seeker from as low down on the stem as possible (personally I would weld an eye just above the water for this reason) the better it will work. The more of angle on the tow rope, the more it will lift the stern (and whole dingy) up when the line goes taught, meaning the engine loses its grip on the water. When the towline is perpendicular with the water, the engine will have a chance to "dig in" and really get some power. However on flat water what gives more power than anything is using a dingy to push the stern of the ship, so when just trying to make distance I would do this. Using a dingy with a 40 hp I got a 52 ton heavy displacement sail boat moving at 4 knots at 3/4 throttle. Of course this is only possible in little to know swell and with a nice big fender/tire on the front of the dingy. Hope this is useful

[@JamesBond-xq3tw]

Your one lucky man ,your friends are special. Lol

[@oliverliddell613]

Hi Doug When using your dinghy to maneuver the big bout tie it to the i.e. just in front of the stern where your prop and rudder are. You will be amazed at the control you will get.

[@davewright3088]

Helicopter Mom on another pass... As many have said, you need a tow post on centerline ahead of the outboard pivot point. On the pitch control, you may need a bypass when the hydraulics reach the end of travel. Might have been an overpressure that blew the seal when you reached the limit of travel. Ask you diesel guy if there is a way to see/monitor the governor on the injector pump. When you reach 'top of the rack' for any particular RPM, you are overloaded. Knowing where you are in terms of load on the governor will tell you immediately, before black smoke or EGT rise... On the anchor winch, sooner or later you will 'bury' the line in the drum and jam up. The drum should only 'store' the line, not carry the pulling load. That's what the gypsy is for, small diameter, high pulling force.

[@SVSeeker]

LOL I only found honest suggestions in there. I appreciate those. : )

[@njipods]

It's a geometry thing that causes the boat to not tow strait. That litttle y loop puts the tow point behind the engine so it create any turning force.

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

I'd just chuck in an electro hydraulic pump to drive that variable pitch. Keep it completely separate from other hydraulic or engine systems. In fact I'd fit two, so you could have an instant back up should the other one fail.

[@spider0804]

Same goes for forktrucks. You have either hit something, have not driven long, or are lying and everyone knows it.

[@richardmg9]

The tow line attaches behind the motor on your setup, that is why the boat steers backwards when towing. It also prevents the boat from pointing a direction different from the towline. You can either get a tow point moved up in front of the motor, or just learn to drive backwards and awkwardly when towing. yea, thats why it tows in reverse.

[@blakewithadhd7358]

Cool boat

[@matthewdiamond2232]

one of the reasons for the little boat not wanting to move is weight in the bow which when you have more weight in the front theres more boat in the water which makes more drag which also means the drag from the bow and the current pushing on it means that the motor is only pushing the stern of the boat the same speed as the bow is going down river so he needs to have one person in the boat or two in the stern so the prop can grab more water and spin the boat faster

[@matthewdiamond2232]

btw im talking about the point in the video 8:39

[@KG-yn9qi]

You need to set up a vacuum to oil sump on engine so time to change oil. So no plugs to remove etc just suck out put in recovery tank, change filters , and refill. Then can off load old oil when at port!

[@SVSeeker]

Yes, I’m going to look into that. Do you have any that you’d recommend?

[@charleswilson4303]

Need an egt gauge to start with and also the bus power steering pump is not designed to suck from that resiviour you will keep burning up pumps. It’s designed to have a resiviour above the pump and be gravity fed to and have a return and most resiviours on commercial trucks and buses have a return filter inside as well

[@SVSeeker]

We have the EGT! But the variable pitch controller has a sump so one on the pump would only drain to it.

[@muskogeedronevideos6759]

happy to get the drone footage for the whaly smash. no big deal. whaly is tough as nails. glad i could capture a funny moment.

[@valhallamotorsports3133]

Power steering pumps don’t like to suck the fluid the reservoir needs to be higher than the pump. Also the threads on the variable pitch shaft needs a jam nut or it will work the threads and strip out.

[@SVSeeker]

This one blew a seal, but maybe you're right if it does it again. But no jam nut is needed as the coupler locks the two shaft together. There is no way for the inside shaft to rotate while they are coupled.

[@valhallamotorsports3133]

@@SVSeeker Hi Doug, it’s not rotation that you need the jam nut, any time you push or pull on a threads there is movement that causes wear. Jam nut prevents movement which keeps the threads from “working” which keeps them from wearing. The other thing to check on the power steering pump is see how much pressure you need to move the variable pitch prop and see what the pump is generating when it’s idle. If the pump is making 8x the pressure you need to do the job you could add a adjustable pressure relief valve and lower the pressure to 2x what you need taking strain off the pump when it’s idle. Some pumps have a internal pressure relief valve but the steering gear would return the fluid when not turning. Not sure how the prop unit works when idle but if it dead heads the pressure that’s not good. Good luck keep at it you’ll get it.

[@MonkeyWithAWrench]

Hey Doug, sorry to hear about the floppy dingy when giving your boat a tug. I think they have cures for that. Good luck on the sailing trip! Hopefully you don't have such spectacular catastrophic rigging failures.

[@normdickson2438]

You make good videos to relax to my friend thank you for the great entertainment

[@FSHSKainon]

would love to see the boat in person… best ship project ever!!

[@SVSeeker]

Come on out

[@edic2619]

GREAT TESTING... it is better to tear it up while you are 5 miles from the local parts store, rather than 500 miles out at see.

[@pgnandt]

Thanks for the video Doug. Bugs with the helm is expected. When you figure it out it would be cool if you can show us how it works. Notice too that the boat pivots real easy. Big rudder authority. Nice. Regarding the tender the next time you see a retread on the highway pick it up and put some rubber on the bow.

[@edic2619]

GREAT HELPERS...

[@SVSeeker]

Seeker Crew Rock!!

[@pgnandt]

Nice thing about nice boats is that there are always people that will help you.

[@terryfonz4603]

I keep telling you run a water line up to the bow for that anchor wash down!!!

[@boatbeard7767]

I run a bridle off the aft corners of the dinghy tied so it can't fall past the cav plate, then fit a pulley so the tow line can traverse as it will while you put the dinghy on it's heading. If the tow bridle is locked the little boat can never overcome the weight of the pull, so by allowing the tow boat to swivel with the low line under weight you regain control. It's not as good as a central tow post, but way less likely to rill the smaller boat in under big side loads...

[@imchris5000]

think about adding a dry sump oil system to the engine with just the regular pan on it you could have oil starvation issues with just medium seas

[@SVSeeker]

Maybe later. I want to see if it is a actual problem first.

[@geoffhalstead1811]

Fit baffles, horizontal and vertical, to the sump (pan) as I did to my race car to stop oil surging, with one area designed to act as a collector for the pickup. Worked a treat on track with high ‘Gs’.

[@harveynailbanger]

To tow with an outboard , rig a bridle with the connection point ahead of the engine, that way you can steer the load instead of the load steering you...

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

Sea/river trial continue. Definitely a better place to have these problems than at sea. Since the power steering pump is so vital to the operation of the motor, maybe figure out a work around that can use the hydraulic system you have that is independent? Carrying a spare pump just seems like overkill since you can move the blades by hand in a pinch and you have the sails. Also, I am very impressed by the new tender's capabilities.

[@BennettT9]

The porthole in the floor is good. But a talking tube like on the battle ships would help with yelling and clarity when talking from below to the helm if the bottom side can’t get to the porthole. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@lucky13farms99]

Wow, lots of stuff to fix and or improve. These shake down cruises you are doing are fascinating. We always did a shakedown after our boat had sat up for a bit. Never know what's going to happen until you get out on the water and stress those systems. You are spot on with leaving a little pitch no matter what. We took the Coast Guard Auxiliary tests a long time ago. It's called Making way if you are under power. Underway way means you are adrift. IE: not at anchor, not affixed to shore AND not under power. Just a tip in case you ever take the Captain's exams, :) Don't even get me started on Over and Out and why no one says that.

[@mylifeisdope916]

I tow stuff with outboards. adjust the length of the bridle on the stern of the dinghy. shorter is more "twitchy". the drivers gotta pay a lot more attention. shorter allows you to pivot a lot faster though. longer bridle is more "cruise control". you don't have to constantly adjust the tiller. tape an arrow pointing forward on the top of the outboard cowling. aim the arrow where you want to tow the sailboat. steering is backwards while towing off a bridle because the prop is in front of the pivot.

[@mylifeisdope916]

ps- spectra isnt the best thing for an anchor line. id look at samson super strong or similar.

[@gregoriosmith6994]

OK guys, look at 23:53. Your tender appears to be roto-molded polyethelyene. That's pretty good because it is rigid. Now, it is amazing (not really because I expected it) the number of opinions that would try to persuade you to do something other than what I am going to suggest to you. If that is your "pemanent" tow boat you need to mount a TOW POST. I suggest a 3" heavy wall aluminum pipe or tube maybe 4 and a half feet or 5 feet tall. This whole apparatus can be removed with the excption of the mounting plates on the seats and on the floor of the towboat. Now, look at the fore n aft seats the helmsman is sitting on. Just the place where the red seats meet the black seating. On the red part just at the black part, you need to mount a plate of maybe 6"x 12" 1/4" aluminum securely fastened to the seat port and starboard aligned fore and aft. Then you can bridge that span with some kind of wood 2 x 12 or metal if you prefer. You can securely fasten the wooden thwart to those plates with maybe several wing- nuts. Then cut a hole for the diameter of the tow post so that it can go through the thwart and into some kind of socket mounted to the centerline on the floor. When all is secured you will have a strong post sticking up maybe 3 feet above the thwart. It can be cut down to size once you tie your tow rope onto the post so that when the boat swings around the tow rope doesn't cut the helmsman's head off, right? Drill a hole to put a one inch pipe onto which you can make your tow rope fast. You only want to put the juice to the motor when the tow boat is aligned with the direction you want to go. If you pull from the side you'll roll the boat, it's big time on the leverage. I've pulled a 20,000 pound sail boat around with a 2 hp motor on a sabot!

[@macktotman]

Use a much longer bridal off the stern when towing with dinghy. Will work better.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Break it until it don't break no more...

[@chuckomgyahoo]

So good to see yall out and about

[@pauldoitcheap4343]

Might pay to put a pressure gauge on the pressure side in case your over loading the pump it at specific blade position and may need a safety relief setting. Wow you got some speed up though. Don't forget what is taking up all the thrust forces, thought for long term motoring.

[@SVSeeker]

That pump should do about 2100psi but it would be interesting to check what the variable pitch controller actually requires.

[@ascott6804]

I was thinking keyway on the pump! Good luck!!

[@garymyers6638]

you gotta take these guys with you on the shake down cruise. It's a heck of a crew.

[@theQdomain]

From prior experience with automotive power steering systems the pump is only under load when you are actively steering. Otherwise the pump is flowing through the system at low pressure. It looks to me that your situation puts the pump under pressure whenever your variable pitch actuator isn’t in neutral or it may be using some pressure even when in neutral. This is just an assumption based on my past experiences with hydraulic systems in the offshore marine environment. There are (hydraulic valve) alternatives that can unload the pump when a specific pressure range is met. I am not talking about relief valves as they tend to keep the pressure on the pump. You might want to talk to someone who woks on “cherry picker” hydraulic cranes as I used to fix these valves that were used to hold winches from turning while not loading the pump. Just a few thoughts from an old mechanic that is enjoying your videos and reminiscing about working and living on boats.

[@SVSeeker]

It's actually the same. When the coupler is not actually moving the prop to a new pitch it just dumps the oil back into the sump.

[@theQdomain]

@@SVSeeker so you are all good. Sorry for butting in. Some automotive systems the pressure relief is in the pump an some are in the rack and pinion. It sounds like your system may have it in that control so again all good. Reason I am mentioning it is the squealing that you hear in a car when you have the wheel hard over is usually the pump experiencing high pressure and either using its relief valve or the belts squealing because they can’t handle the torque. Again please ignore this if you have already thought of these. Love your Videos!

[@turtlemann14]

@@SVSeeker would the pressure relief be in the pump or steering sector/hydraulic actuator? maybe the hydraulic actuator runs at a higher pressure than the steering sector would? pitching the blades fast might make that show up.

[@SVSeeker]

@@turtlemann14 That's interesting. I may not need one a all as the oil is free to dump back to the sump once the prop pitch stops changing. But I'll think about adding a pressure gauge to check it.

[@Mickekembe]

keep the ankor in the waterline when you drive off and it will clean it self ... then you pull it all the way up :)

[@GMC.Sprint]

For towing the boat, it looks like the tow line is keeping the tender strait so it can't manoeuver properly. Farm tractors have this problem, so they use a swinging drawbar. Maybe you need a single center tow point, like a ski boat.

[@Daniel_cheems]

I'm glad you're working out the bugs before she tastes salty water, captain!

[@SVSeeker]

Actually rather be in the ocean, but there is still plenty to do on the river.

[@jacksonclinton349]

With a y harness tow the tension holds the vessel strait so she doesn't turn, you need to counter steer as it's a vectored thrust control at that point

[@SVSeeker]

I’ll give it a try

[@rende2851]

@@SVSeeker was going to say this too. The pivot point in your set up is where the line attaches to seeker so the outboard has to steer based on that vs the pivot being forward of the outboard in normal use.

[@tacticalrabbit308]

What would be nice is if you put an indicator up near the helm to indicate were the rudder position is

[@SVSeeker]

We have it it’s just not hooked up yet. It’ll be on the display once the auto pilot is installed.

[@kbbacon]

Glad you said "add an oil change to the list.". Hydraulic oil might be ok for engine oil, but it might not. Closer and closer!

[@SVSeeker]

Yeah, but apparently there are folks running motor oil for power steering fluid so I think I'll go that route. If the seal blows again, I just get the oil topped off. : )

[@kbbacon]

@@SVSeeker Yes. It will work.

[@lmsstudio8332]

Dude am from antigua 🇦🇬 😍 I had no idea you guys knew about my little island

[@h.rutten2187]

22:53 Someone’s swinging.😄

[@WoyLad]

For towing with the tamale, a bridle instead of a single line may give you more control. A bridle is simply a "Y". In your case, with one side tied to port, the other to starboard. The base of the Y obviously is the towing vessel. Seeker's beam is a little narrow, and there may not be that much difference in leverage, hence my "may". We used a bridle fore and aft to position and keep our seiners out of the net while hauling gear.

[@SVSeeker]

We had a bridle on the Hot Tamale. I think we will try it from a single point just forward of the engine.

[@Chris38908]

Check the shaft on the pump if there’s no pressure bypass valve on your pressure line it can break the shaft

[@arboristo4407]

Coming along Doug …and all mates too😎👍❤️

[@JamesBond-xq3tw]

Doug ,you pick them . Great crew ! Professional.

[@terryclotf]

I stopped by Tuesday. Cloudy and windy. But she looks good.

[@FSHSKainon]

having a flywheel vs flex plate would add rotating mass to engine to help reduce strain on engine when shifting where you have pitch on the prop then you can lower rpm idle same with a manual trans on a vehicle glad you have your own Tug !! ps the prop on the tug is way more powerful going forward

[@jtamsett]

From experience, one wrap around lower unit ,will allow you to turn small boat.

[@z06doc86]

Seeker sure turned out to be a beautiful ship.

[@carbonstar9091]

I like your little composite tender. Nice motor choice too.

[@SVSeeker]

WhalyBoatsUSA.com Tell them Doug at SV Seeker sent you. :)